Ohio State Dominates Indiana, Eyes Big Ten Title \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ No. 2 Ohio State defeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15, powered by quarterback Will Howard’s stellar performance and a strong defensive showing. The victory keeps Ohio State on track for the Big Ten Championship and a potential rematch with No. 1 Oregon. Indiana’s undefeated season ends as costly mistakes and Ohio State’s dominance proved too much to overcome.
Buckeyes Beat Indiana, Stay in Big Ten Hunt: Quick Looks
- Game Highlights: Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, leading Ohio State to a decisive 38-15 victory.
- Playoff Stakes: Ohio State moves to 10-1 and can secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship with a win against Michigan next week.
- Indiana’s Struggles: The Hoosiers’ offense was limited to 151 yards, their lowest total this season, as Ohio State’s defense tallied five sacks.
- Special Teams Impact: A punt return touchdown by Caleb Downs and a fumbled snap by Indiana shifted momentum to the Buckeyes.
- Historical Achievement: Howard completed 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season, setting an Ohio State record.
Deep Look
Buckeyes Take Control
Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) started slowly but turned the tide late in the first half when Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap deep in his own territory. The Buckeyes capitalized immediately with a 4-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson to take a 14-7 lead.
The Buckeyes extended their advantage early in the second half when Caleb Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown—the team’s first punt return score since 2014. That play energized Ohio State, putting them firmly in control at 21-7.
“Our guys just played with a chip today,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day. “That’s the way you’ve got to play the game of football.”
Indiana’s Struggles
Indiana (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 5) entered the game with hopes of ending a 35-year drought against the Buckeyes. However, their dream season unraveled under the weight of costly mistakes and a smothering Ohio State defense.
“We had communication errors, pass protection breakdowns—every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened,” said Indiana coach Curt Cignetti.
Indiana’s 151 total yards were their fewest of the season, and the 38 points allowed were the most surrendered by their defense this year.
“In life, all good things come to an end,” Cignetti said after the game.
Will Howard’s Record-Breaking Season
“I think Buckeye Nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner,” said Day. “He’s tough, he cares about his teammates, and he’s a leader.”
Howard’s consistency and leadership have been pivotal for Ohio State’s success, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.
Playoff Implications
With the win, Ohio State remains in control of its destiny. A victory against rival Michigan next Saturday would secure the Buckeyes a spot in the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2020, where they could face No. 1 Oregon in a highly anticipated rematch.
The Ducks narrowly defeated Ohio State 32-31 in October, and the Buckeyes are eager for redemption.
“We know what’s at stake,” Day said. “We don’t win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. That’s real.”
Indiana’s Season Derailed
The loss dampens what had been a special season for Indiana, which was eyeing its first Big Ten title since 1967. The Hoosiers will likely drop in the CFP rankings, as Saturday’s game marked their first matchup against a nationally ranked team.
Up Next
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes will host rival Michigan next Saturday in a high-stakes game with playoff and Big Ten Championship implications.
- Indiana: The Hoosiers will aim to regroup when they host Purdue in their regular-season finale.
Ohio State Dominates Ohio State Dominates
